Gays and Lesbians Go Mainstream?

The Episcopal Church`s decision on whether to appoint the first openly gay Bishop is just the latest in a series of gay topics. Others include the Supreme Court striking down anti-sodomy laws last month, and Howard Dean signing a bill to give gays and lesbians the same rights as heterosexual couples. But homosexual relationships once so taboo, are now the subject of plenty discussion in political news and entertainment. "Just as we`ve seen the mainstreaming of gay men and lesbians in general in society, we`ve seen the mainstreaming in the media as well," says Dr. Jay Barth, professor of Gender, Sexuality and American Politics at Hendrix College. Old television sitcoms like "I Love Lucy" were very careful even with heterosexual marriages. But today`s television lineup are bases on homosexuality, like "Will and Grace" or "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" where five gay man give a straight man a makeover. Barth says part of it is because gays and lesbians themselves are being more open. "I can say probably 99% of people probably know somebody or have a relative who is gay or homosexual," says Chris Vanlandingham who supports gay rights. Still not all Americans are embracing the homosexual lifestyle. A bill that would amend the constitution to illegalize same-sex marriages had 76 sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. But like it or not, the word homosexuality is one that`s being heard more and more, loud and clear.